It's one of the apps that has worked best on iOS devices, and it's paid. But having the ability to save any web page so you can read it later in text only format, which is what Instapaper offers, is worth it. The app, considered one of the best for mobile, finally arrives on Android and that is something that no one, not even its creator, expected.
Marco ArmentInstapaper developer Arment assured his colleagues at The Verge a few weeks ago that iOS programming took up all of his time and that designing the Android app wasn't in his plans. But he was lying, at least in part. This same site has just announced that Arment was actually developing the Android version almost in secret. A secret that has just been revealed.
In fact, it was not Arment who developed it, but JeffRock, which Instapaper designed for Android, but at Arment's initiative. In any case, the app is now available on Google Play for both mobile phones and tablets.
The first thing Instapaper does when we come across a website, an article or a blog post that we like is save it so you can read it later, whether online or offline. Just tap the Read it later button when you're in a coverage area. When you're traveling on the subway, on a plane, or whatever, you can retrieve the article. In this way, it's similar to the app we already know as Pocket (its previous name was precisely Read it Later).
But Instapaper does something else. Save pages in rich text or special mode.With hardly any intervention on our part, adjusts the size of the article and from typography to the screen. It also eliminates all non-textual elements that distract us from reading.
It also includes a series of minor features that make the 2,41 euros it costs not seen as an expense but as an investment. (Pricing model may vary by region and currently there are free plans and premium options). It has details like the night mode reading, which reverses the text and background colors to be able to read comfortably at night, something it does automatically when it detects the arrival of sunset. It includes a search engine and organization by folders for the saved texts and, as if that were not enough, it allows you to save 500 articles on the mobile device and an unlimited number on the web version, with which it is synchronized.
You can download Instapaper at Google Play
We have read it in The Verge.
What Instapaper brings to Android beyond saving
Instapaper stands out for offering a distraction-free reading environment based on a text view optimized for mobile and tablet. Everything you download stays available offline to consult it whenever you want, even in plane, subway or elevator, and on Wi-Fi only devices. Its interface is adapted to small and large screens to ensure that the content looks clean, legible and with accessible controls, and is complemented by apps to stay informed.
Key features to know
- Clean and legible text: saves most pages as text, eliminating complex layouts to optimize for phones and tablets.
- Full customization: Settings font, text size, line spacing and margins, in addition to control of gloss y dark mode for night reading.
- Flexible organization: folders to sort articles, and options to sort unread by popularity, date, length or even random.
- Easy sharing: Send articles from the browser or from any app that supports the menu. share; also integrates networks such as Twitter or Tumblr.
- Rotation lock: sets the orientation so the page doesn't rotate when reading in bed or on the go.
- Dictionary and Wikipedia: consult definitions and references without leaving the article to maintain the reading flow.
- Smart Scrolling: tilt scrolling (tilt shift) and paginated with side touches.
- Integrated browser: preview links without leaving the app.
- Synchronization and limits: download up to 500 items on your Android and store unlimited on the Instapaper website.
- Search and notes: Advanced search and other features may require in-app purchase or premium plan.
How to save, organize, and read offline
From Android, just use the menu Share in your browser or apps to send any page to Instapaper, or try alternatives like refind. On a computer, you can use the browser extension or the classic bookmarklet to add links to your queue. Everything is synchronized in the cloud for access from Android, iPhone, iPad, web or Kindle if you wish.
Once saved, the content is downloaded to your device so you can read without InternetThe app removes banners, embedded videos and other distracting elements, while maintaining the article structure (titles, quotes, lists) for a more enjoyable experience.
Personalized reading in detail
To fine-tune visual comfort, Instapaper lets you choose typography, modify the text size, adjust the line spacing and expand or reduce margins. You can activate dark mode and regulate the gloss with manual controls, or let the app automatically switch at dusk. If you tend to read on your side, the rotation lock prevents unwanted turns.
To advance, you have two styles: tilt shift (ideal for not touching the screen) or page turn with taps on the sides. In addition, the internal browser allows open links without leaving the text, maintaining the context.
Organization, discovery and search
If you accumulate readings, organize them with folders themes and sort the list by popularity, date or length, or mixed in random mode to surprise you. As you read, you can consult dictionary o Wikipedia to resolve doubts without losing the rhythm.
The function of search within your articles, along with options like notes and highlights, may be available through integrated purchase or premium subscription, depending on your current settings. Everything syncs with your account so your selections and progress appear on all your devices.
Usage and availability model
Instapaper offers a free plan very complete and premium options that unlock advanced features like full-text search or out loud reading on mobile phones. Features and prices may vary by region and period, so it's a good idea to check the store listing before installing. The app is available on Android, synchronizes with the website, and is compatible with other environments such as iOS and Kindle, promoting a continuous reading experience; if you are looking for other options, consult Alternatives to the Kindle app for Android.
For those who value reading without interruptions, with complete control over the presentation of the text and offline accessInstapaper remains a safe bet: it combines simplicity, power, and an ecosystem that takes care of every detail of the reading experience.